Traveling from Dumai to Melaka

Route: Dumai International Ferry Terminal, Indonesia (Pelabuhan Penumpang Dumai) to Melaka International Ferry Terminal, Malaysia
Date: 25 June 2019
Mode: Ferry

Distance: 116 kms. approx (Google maps)

Duration/ time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (9:30am - 12:10pm)

Fare: 320k IDR (one-way)

Ferry Terminal Fee: 50k IDR

Difficulty: Noise from the ferry, dizzying for those with motion sickness

Highlight: Alternative route without airplane, historic route (Strait of Malacca), refreshing view of the sea

While the sun is spreading its rays along the horizon in Dumai I can already feel the rush of some few early birds around the place. At 6:45am I was able to reach Indomal Building in Jalan Sudirman via ojek. It is where the advanced booking tickets are exchanged to a ferry ticket for those travelling this day. I have been to this place thrice. The first was when I visited Dumai in February 2019, then last week when I booked for my travel and today. So, I a quite familiar with the place already and the feeling of being a stranger is gone. Additionally, I

can also speak Bahasa Indonesia fairly well so I feel confident to transact effectively with people.

Upon my arrival at the building, the ticket counters are already open (6:45am). The teller then got my booking ticket and changed it to the ferry ticket and stamped the travel time for this day. He reminded me that a van will send us to the terminal for free and I will need to pay the terminal fee at a booth in the terminal. Then, I noticed a note at the wall that passengers should have been inside the ferry 30 minutes before departure. The departure is supposed to be 9:00am.

While waiting for the van, I noticed a woman selling drink with an aroma of Chinese-like herbs. I think they call it kunyit asam. I also tried and it cost 12k rupiah with chaser. It tastes healthy and invigorating. Other passengers also tried it.

Facade of Dumai  Int'l Ferry Terminal

Then there was a man walking around and change rupiah to ringgit. I also exchanged 200k rupiah and got 57 ringgit. This is lower compared to the exchange rate in Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur but just at the middle when compared to the rate in KLIA2.

Terminal fee ticket

Then the van already started calling passengers to the terminal. I was able to ride at the front seats and took photos along the way. It took us around 7 minutes to the ferry terminal.

Upon arrival, I proceed to pay the terminal fee which is quickly done. The teller gave me a barcoded ticket. Then, I immediately went to the screening of bag before entering the gate scanning my barcoded terminal fee ticket. We waited for a while before the immigration officers (IO) occupied the counters. PWDs went first then we queued at the other side. The immigration check went fast. When the IO saw my working visa, she immediately stamped exit on my passport.

Departure gate

Well wisher sign

The walk to the ferry is convenient. I can smell the sea after going out of immigration check. Then I looked for my seat. There are guides to tell where your seat is. I sat down and waited for the ferry to run before I explored the inside and top of it.

Boarding the ferry

While waiting for departure, there are still men selling food, fruit, and other stuff in the ferry. There are also money changing men around. Fortunately, the money I changed was not fake. I bought salak fruit, egg, and peanuts at 15k rupiah. Gradually, the peddlers were gone and I thought it was already a sign that we were departing.

Inside the ferry,waiting for departure

The ferry departed at 9:30am. While inside the ferry, I explored the different areas: the passengers area, the back part, and the rooftop. There are around 200 passengers of the ferry located in 3 different areas. There are children vomiting along the trip as the waves make the ferry unstable. 

Rooftop

It is very noisy at the back because of the machine. I can feel the roaring voice of the machine as it struggles to propel us away from the land and run its course along the Strait of Malacca. The back of the ferry is also a designated smoking area. There is a stair leading to the rooftop. I can feel the cool breeze of the sea as I felt the wind rub my face there. I took advantage of taking photos and some videos. I saw around 5 people sitting at a long bench at the rooftop.  The sun is bright and the sea colour turns from brown to green then blue as we drift away from the land. The saltwater bubbles and line formed by our ferry is long and wide. I can sense freedom and gratitude inside my heart as I watch the sea separating Malaysia and Indonesia. A sea where ancient traders come and go, pass by and stay upon the nearest island that come to their sight.

Back area where smokers are

We reached Melaka at 12:10 noon. The climate in Melaka is the same in Dumai. It was humid and hot around while the sun pounds its fiery rays on the ground. It was shining shimmering hot in Melaka at the time of my arrival. It was an unfortunate time for a walking tour.

Sudirman street (Google maps)

Dumai Port to Melaka Port (Google maps)